Stuck With You

Reconciliation

Harry's POV

It's been over two months since Draco and I got stuck together, and yet I'm still not used to it. Don't get me wrong, I'm accepted it a long time ago, but it's still weird. For example, never being alone... weird. Using the washroom and  showering together... weird. Spending time with him and enjoying it... weird. Having Draco be in my thoughts a lot... weird. 

I am thinking about this while eating lunch, when all of a sudden I feel a tap on my shoulder. Turning around I see that it is Ron.

Why is he here and what does he want? We haven't talked in weeks.

"Hey Harry, can we talk for a second?"

I think for a moment, debating the pros and cons of having this conversation. After a moment, I stand up, pulling Draco with me and tilt my head, signaling that we could talk outside. When we start to walk I notice Pansy, Blaise, Theo, Ginny, Fred, and George standing as well. 

I shake my head once. "Wait here, I'll be fine."

Cautiously, they sit back down with Luna, Neville, and Hermione, looking ready to jump up and defend me at any moment. Noting this, I think back to two months ago, when this would've seemed impossible. 

I snap back into reality when I hear the doors to the great hall close. "So, um, Harry, I wanted to say that I'm sorry." Ron apologized, and for a second I think he's joking. That is until I see how red his eyes are, and how he isn't looking me in the eye.

Pushing down my concern I ask him, "What changed?"

"I realized that I was just projecting my own internalized homophobia out onto you and I am so unbelievably sorry. You are an amazing person Harry and you trusted me and I broke that. I completely understand if you never want to talk to me again, but I just wanted to let you know that." 

As the words start tumbling from his mouth tears start welling in his eyes again and I quickly pull him into a hug, completely forgetting the other presence. "I'm not going to say it's okay, but I forgive you Ron. It means a lot that you can own up to your mistakes and apologize."

Pulling away, he smiles and wiped away his tears, "Thank Merlin, you're my best friend Harry. I missed you."

"I missed you too you arsehole." I laugh, and gesture to go back into the hall and he starts walking. Only then do I remember Draco, "Sorry you had to see that."

"It's fine," he says and seconds later we find ourselves back at our seats. 

Draco and I sit down and I notice how nervous Ron looks. I smile gently and move over to make room for him to sit down. Looking around, everyone else looks concerned, "It's okay, he apologized. We're cool now."

We continue eating and then I remember what he said about internalized homophobia. "Wait, Ron?" I start, whispering so no one else can hear us. "About that thing you said-"

Quickly he cuts me off, "I'm gay." But he doesn't whisper his response and everyone hears him.  

"Um, o- okay then." I respond, not knowing what to say. 

We sit there awkwardly for a few more minutes before Theo decides to cut the tension by flirting with me. "Hey Harry?"

"Yes Theo?"

"You're hot."

"Thanks, you're not so bad yourself." 

Everyone laughs, grateful for the ice breaker, feeling he tension melt away. Or I think that until I look over and see Draco looking uncomfortable. But I ignore it, thinking he just needs a little while to adjust. 

"I know."